The difference between N95 and KF94 masks are minor for the factors that most users care about. KF94 is the “Korea filter” standard similar to the US N95 mask rating. Difference Between N95 and KF94 Masks: Charted Out They look similar, and they filter a nearly identical percentage of particles—95% versus 94%. This chart from […]
Tag: N95
What Are N95 Masks Made From?
N95 masks made from synthetic plastic fibers are most common. These plastic fibers are similar to the fibers in synthetic and polyester shirts many people wear. N95 Masks Made From Synthetic Plastic For example, let’s take the 3M 9332 masks that I wear in Beijing. Technically this is an N99 (FFP3) mask, but the idea is […]
Sanitizing Masks With Alcohol Degrades Performance
With mask shortages during the coronavirus outbreak, some doctors are sanitizing masks with alcohol so they can re-use them. But this raises questions about whether alcohol actually works and whether it degrades the masks. Does Alcohol Kill Viruses? The research on alcohol is clear. Alcohol kills viruses. Technically, viruses aren’t alive, so scientists focus on […]
What’s The Difference Between N95 and KN95 Masks?
With such similar sounding names, it can be confusing to understand the difference between N95 and KN95 masks. What are KN95 masks, and are they the same as N95 masks? This handy chart explains the differences between N95 and KN95 masks (and all characteristics that are the same). In short, N95 masks are the US standards […]
Does Microwaving Masks Disinfect Viruses?
With masks in short supply, many people are being forced to re-use masks. That means the idea of microwaving masks has gone from a crazy-sounding idea to a critically practical question. Does Microwaving Masks Deactivate The Coronavirus? Another reason this question is critical: Smart Air tests found that washing N95 masks with soap and water […]
The Best Way to Disinfect Masks Without Destroying Them
The outbreak of the coronavirus led to a surge in interest in how to disinfect masks, as well as Google searches for “wash N95 mask” and “clean N95 mask.” Yet answers to this question are in short supply. The standard guidelines say to throw masks out and use new ones. But the standard guidelines are […]
Is Washing Masks Effective After Virus Exposure?
With the shortage of masks during the coronavirus outbreak, many people are wondering if washing masks is an effective way of cleaning and re-using masks. There are companies that claim to have washable anti-pollution masks. This company in India claims to have washable masks washable and can capture air pollution, bacteria, and “germs.” Yet […]
Comparison of Mask Standards, Ratings, and Filtration Effectiveness
Mask standards can be confusing: N95, KN95, FFP1, P2, or surgical mask? This quick run-down covers mask types, mask ratings, and their effectiveness at filtering particles. First off, let’s start with mask types (or certification types). In general, there are 3 (or sometimes 4) types of commonly used, disposable masks. They are single-use face masks, […]
Can DIY Masks Protect Us from Coronavirus?
DIY masks to protect against from viruses sounds like a crazy idea. Data shows masks work incredibly well, and they’re also really cheap. Surgical masks cost a few pennies, and they’re capable of filtering out 80% of particles down to 0.007 microns (14 times smaller than the coronavirus). However, the coronavirus outbreak brought with it […]
N95 Masks vs. Surgical Masks: Which Is Better at Preventing The Coronavirus?
Scientists have actually randomized people to wear N95 or regular surgical masks, then tracked how many people got infected with colds and flus similar to the coronavirus. This data can tell us whether N95 or surgical masks are more effective at preventing transmission of viruses. The results surprised me. Coronavirus & Mask Livestream Wondering whether […]
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